The PG&E Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Pilot Program supports the California Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan's zero net energy goals that all new residential construction in California be ZNE by 2020, and that all new commercial construction be ZNE by 2030.

A zero net energy building is one that achieves energy neutrality by a combination of deep building load reductions and the addition of one or more clean, on-site renewable energy sources. ZNE technologies commonly include energy efficiency-load reduction, photovoltaics (PV) and solar thermal heating. Other strategies may include wind, biomass, geothermal or small hydro generation.

The PG&E ZNE Pilot Program is focused on achieving maximal energy load reduction by leveraging advanced design, construction and building operations before the addition of on-site renewable energy generation, such as solar PV.

PG&E’s Zero Net Energy Design Competition

Architecture at Zero: A Competition for Zero Net Energy Urban Architecture.

PG&E’s Zero Net Energy (ZNE) Pilot Program supports the California’s Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan by performing a portfolio of research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) projects around ZNE buildings together with complementary education, outreach and information activities. One ZNE program element is a design competition, “Architecture at Zero,” targeted to raise awareness of ZNE technologies and design methods among the architectural design community. PG&E is sponsoring the competition and co-presenting it with the San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Using an existing vacant site in the City of Emeryville, the 2011 competition invites participants to present ZNE design solutions for redeveloping the site with residential and retail elements. The competition is open to architectural design and engineering professionals, as well as students learning the craft.

Judges:
Bob Berkebile, FAIA
Principal, BNIM Architects
A founding principal of BNIM Architects and has contributed 44 years to the architectural profession. Bob is the founding chairman of the American Institute of Architects’ National Committee on the Environment (AIA / COTE) and was also instrumental in the formation of the US Green Building Council and its LEED rating system.

Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA
Principal, Brooks + Scarpa Architects
Over the last ten years, Mr. Scarpa’s firm received more than 50 major design awards, notably 18 National AIA Awards, including the 2010 Architecture Firm Award, the 2011, 2006 and 2003 AIA Committee on the Environment “Top Ten Green Project” awards

Stephen Selkowitz
Building Technologies Department, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Stephen Selkowitz has 30 years of experience in the field of building energy performance, with an emphasis on research, development, and deployment of energy efficient technologies and design practices.

Susan S. Szenasy
Editor in Chief, METROPOLIS magazine
Susan sits on the boards of the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, Fashion Institute of Technology’s Interior Design department, the Center for Architecture Advisory Board, and has served the Landscape Architecture Foundation board.

Allison G. Williams
Design Principal, Perkins+Will
In a career spanning more than 30 years in corporate practice, Williams' leadership in the design of large-scale civic, corporate, cultural and research facilities has influenced significant projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, nationally and internationally.

A list of winners is posted at Architecture At Zero.

Program Highlights

The ZNE Pilot Program supports a number of technical activities, including workshops and educational series for those looking to learn more about Zero Net Energy. The workshops are intended to help design professionals as they develop the knowledge necessary to create the next generation of energy saving buildings. Classes may be taken individually or as a series, search the class lists for "ZNE".

PG&E's Pacific Energy Center
The Pacific Energy Center (address and directions) offers a number of classes that address ZNE topics.

PG&E's Stockton Energy Training Center
PG&E's Energy Training Center in Stockton offers a Residential Series on ZNE building.

American Institute of Architects (AIA)
PG&E's Pacific Energy Center is offering a Commercial Series on ZNE building hosted at the San Francisco AIA.